Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionOfficial outbound investment data shows Chinese net direct investment in the UAE grew 237.7% to $2.6 billion in 2025. Total Chinese direct investment stock in the UAE reached $12.47 billion, driven by port logistics, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Chinese-affiliated automaker Rox launched commercial vehicle assembly operations at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi on September 25, 2026. The initial rollout included three Rox Adamas models bearing the 'Made in the Emirates' quality mark. The company aims to produce 20,000 vehicles annually by 2027 and expand capacity to 300,000 per year by 2030.
Alibaba Cloud has announced plans to expand its data centre presence in the UAE and other international locations over the next 12 months. The announcement was made during its 2026 Apsara Conference alongside the launch of three enterprise AI suites. The company aims to surpass 20 gigawatts of international data centre capacity by 2032.
Abu Dhabi Global Market announced details for the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, taking place from December 7 to 10, 2026. The event will feature dedicated bilateral country dialogues with China to facilitate cross-border capital investment. Over 300 financial leaders managing more than US$61 trillion in assets are confirmed to attend across 75 sessions.
Alibaba Cloud announced plans to expand its data centre footprint in the UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Germany, and France over the next 12 months. The expansion supports the company's target of exceeding 20 gigawatts of international capacity by 2032 to meet artificial intelligence computing demand. Alibaba Cloud also introduced three international enterprise AI suites and revealed partnerships with several corporate clients.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
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Chinese advanced air mobility firm ARIDGE has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah to launch a flying car regulatory sandbox under the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. The initiative marks the first Chinese flying car company entering a Middle East national-level testing program. The project features desert test flights and an experimental route linking Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi.
Chinese flying car developer ARIDGE has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah to launch an Advanced Air Mobility regulatory sandbox under UAE General Civil Aviation Authority oversight. The collaboration makes ARIDGE the first Chinese flying car firm in a Middle Eastern national-level regulatory testing program. The initiative includes desert validation flights and an experimental demonstration route between Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Online brokerage MH Markets has secured a Category 1 licence from the UAE's Capital Market Authority as part of its international expansion strategy. The broker, which already operates across MENA, Southeast Asia, and China, is planning to expand into Latin America and Europe during 2026. Ahead of its appearance at iFX EXPO Asia 2026 in Hong Kong, the firm also reported operational metrics and proprietary trading app development.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
Abu Dhabi Global Market announced details for the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, set to take place from December 7 to 10, 2026. Over 300 financial leaders managing more than US$61 trillion will participate in 75 sessions, including bilateral forums focused on China. Ten new platforms will be launched, spanning real estate, alternative investment funds, new energy finance, and AI integration.
Chinese institutional holdings of Gulf debt reached nearly $14 billion as of mid-2025, according to International Monetary Fund figures. The UAE represents the largest individual share of these investments at $7.8 billion, followed by Qatar at $5.3 billion. Together, the UAE and Qatar make up over 94 percent of recorded Chinese debt exposure in the Gulf region.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is conducting its first health and life sciences mission across Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing from September 21 to 30, 2026. The UAE delegation includes public healthcare authorities, research universities, and investment bodies. Discussions target joint clinical trials, artificial intelligence, precision oncology, and new drug development.
Chinese institutional holdings of Gulf debt reached nearly $14 billion as of mid-2025, according to International Monetary Fund figures. The UAE represents the largest regional share at $7.8 billion, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has launched its first health and life sciences mission to China from September 21 to 30, 2026. The UAE delegation is touring Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing to establish commercial and scientific partnerships in AI, medical robotics, and precision oncology. Participating entities include PureHealth, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and MBZUAI.
Energy & Sustainability
China's sulphur imports dropped 65 percent year-on-year in August 2026 to roughly 277,300 tonnes amid Middle East maritime logistics disruptions, according to customs data. The resulting shortage drove average import prices up by nearly 246 percent. Despite broad regional shipping constraints, the UAE, South Korea, and Canada supplied 80 percent of total August imports.
Energy & Sustainability
China's sulphur imports declined 65 percent year-on-year in August 2026 to roughly 277,300 tonnes due to Middle East maritime disruptions. Despite sharp drops from several Gulf nations, the UAE, South Korea, and Canada supplied 80 percent of China's August imports. Average import prices surged nearly 246 percent, tightening feedstock for chemical refining and fertiliser production.
Finance & Investment
The Competition Commission of Pakistan approved the acquisition of shares in Masood Textile Mills Limited by UAE-based Velora Global Ventures-F.Z.C. from two Chinese companies on September 24, 2026. The transaction involves equity transfers from Shanghai Challenge Textile Company Limited and Zhejiang Xinao Industry Company Limited. Regulators concluded in a Phase-I assessment that the deal would not lessen market competition.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
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Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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